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Measuring Instructions for Roller Shades

Inside Vs. Outside Mount

Before taking any measurements, step back from your window and decide if you want to mount the window treatment inside the window recess or outside on the wall or molding. We usually recommend an inside mount whenever possible because it provides a cleaner look. However, an outside mount can make a window appear larger or hide an unattractive window.

Considerations for an Inside Mount (common abbreviations: IM or IB)

Level Mounting Surface
The head rail must be installed perfectly level and installed evenly to ensure smooth operation. On an inside mount, it is recommended that you check to see that the mounting surface is level and consistent. If your soffit needs to be leveled, this should be done before measuring.
Light Gaps
Roller shades using the Spring Roller hardware will have up to a 1/2" light gap on each side of the shade and shades using the Clutch Roller hardware will have a 5/8" light gap on each side of the shade. The light gap is the result of the deductions made to the fabric's width to ensure that it does not rub against the walls of the opening or the installation brackets. If your window frame is not thick enough you will have incoming light.
Mounting Depth
For an inside mount you must have adequate mounting depth to install the product. To determine your mounting depth measure from the from of the window casing to the window or nearest obstruction like window locks, window cranks, etc. You have a choice between a shallow mount (just enough depth to mount the brackets but not enough to install the shade fully recessed) or a flush mount (enough depth to mouth the shade fully recessed so that no part of it "sticks out".

For the Spring Roller and Clutch Roller lift systems you need an 1-1/4" of mounting depth for a shallow mount and 3" for a flush mount. If you order the Cassette Valance you will need an 1-3/4" of mounting depth for a shallow mount and 4" for a flush mount.

If your window opening doesn't pass one of the considerations listed above we would recommend an outside mount.

Tools you'll need / additional advice

We accept measurements in 1/8" increments and so if (for example) your window measures 45-15/16" you would round down to 45-7/8" - never round up.
Precise width and length measurements are critical. Fabric width cannot be altered after the shade is fabricated.
Always use a metal tape measure for accuracy.
Have a notebook handy and when measuring a single room with multiple windows we recommend working from left to right numbering the windows as you go. If you're doing the entire house we recommend starting at your main entrance and starting at the first room on the left to the last room on the right. Do the same thing if you have multiple levels.

How to Measure

Inside Mount
Measurements should be taken within the window jamb. Measure across the width of your window at the top where the brackets will be installed. Measurements are accepted in 1/8th of an increments only and so if your measurement arrives at 45-15/16" you would round down to 45-7/8". If your measurement had been 45-7/8" you would provide 45-7/8".

Measure the length of the window opening from the underside of the soffit to the surface of the window sill in two places - use the longest of these two measurements.

Outside Mount
Measure the exact width and length of the area to be covered. On the width, allow at least 1-1/2" of an overlap on each side. An overlap of 3" on each side is recommended.

Be sure to take into consideration any obstructions such as window trim, molding, locks and window cranks.

EcoGreenShades.com is part of a growing list of websites family owned/operated by Burlington Blinds Inc., of Williston Vermont. Regardless of which site you choose to do business with or the type of product ordered, should you require assistance our customer service representatives will provide prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable service.

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